Focusing on Jesus: Hope Through the Resurrection
Summary
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, we find a profound call to focus our lives on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This passage encapsulates the essence of the New Testament gospel, particularly resonant on Easter Sunday, which answers our deepest questions and provides solutions to our trials. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, offering comfort and courage amidst persecution and misunderstanding. Early Christians greeted each other with the affirmation, "The Lord is risen indeed," a reminder of the hope and victory found in the resurrection.
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that empowers us to look beyond our circumstances. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the resurrection as the antidote to discouragement and the assurance of our future glory. The resurrection assures us that, like Jesus, we too will rise, and it is this hope that sustains us through life's challenges.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin, running the race set before us with patience by looking away to Jesus. This act of looking away is not mere escapism but a deliberate focus on the eternal truths embodied in Christ. Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, exemplifies how we should face our trials—by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us.
The Christian faith is rooted in historical facts: Jesus' incarnation, His life of suffering, His crucifixion, and His triumphant resurrection. These events are not just stories but the foundation of our faith, providing a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith, having completed the work necessary for our redemption.
As we navigate life's difficulties, we are called to follow Jesus' example, looking beyond our present trials to the eternal joy He has prepared for us. This perspective transforms our suffering into a light affliction, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In Christ, we find the strength to persevere, knowing that He intercedes for us and will never leave us nor forsake us.
Key Takeaways:
- The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith, providing comfort and courage in the face of trials and persecution. It assures us of our future resurrection and victory over death. [02:57]
- Looking away to Jesus means focusing on the eternal truths and promises of God rather than our present circumstances. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities for growth and hope. [09:54]
- Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are historical facts that form the basis of our faith. These events provide a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation, and assure us of our eternal destiny. [23:35]
- Following Jesus' example, we endure our trials by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us. This eternal perspective gives us strength and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. [32:51]
- Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, intercedes for us and empowers us to run the race set before us. His resurrection assures us of His victory over every enemy and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. [39:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Hebrews 12:1-2
- [01:11] - The Essence of the New Testament Gospel
- [02:25] - Early Christian Greeting: "The Lord is Risen Indeed"
- [03:17] - The Importance of the Resurrection
- [04:21] - Comfort in the Resurrection
- [05:32] - Encouragement to Hebrew Christians
- [06:52] - Overcoming Discouragement
- [08:19] - Looking Away to Jesus
- [09:54] - The Sovereign Remedy of the Gospel
- [11:00] - Peter Walking on Water
- [12:18] - The Glory of the Christian Message
- [13:52] - The Christian Perspective on Life's Trials
- [15:02] - Looking at the Facts of Jesus
- [18:18] - The Incarnation and Life of Jesus
- [23:20] - The Meaning of the Resurrection
- [25:12] - Jesus as the Author and Finisher of Faith
- [29:21] - Following Jesus' Example
- [33:32] - The Joy Set Before Us
- [37:06] - Jesus' Intercession and Our Strength
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- 1 Corinthians 15 (alluded to in the sermon)
- 2 Timothy 2:8 (alluded to in the sermon)
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the writer of Hebrews encourage believers to do with "every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us"? How does this relate to running the race set before us? [00:28]
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the early Christian greeting, "The Lord is risen indeed"? How did this greeting serve the early Christians? [02:25]
3. How does the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 argue for the importance of the resurrection? What does he say about those who deny the resurrection? [03:17]
4. What example does the sermon give of Peter's experience on the water, and how does it illustrate the concept of "looking away to Jesus"? [11:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as an "antidote to discouragement" according to the sermon? What implications does this have for believers facing trials today? [05:13]
2. The sermon mentions that Jesus is both the "author and finisher of our faith." What does this mean in the context of the Christian journey from despair to hope? [24:18]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that looking away to Jesus transforms our perspective on life's trials? How does this align with the message of Hebrews 12:1-2? [09:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus' intercession for believers? What comfort does this provide in the face of life's challenges? [39:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current trial or challenge in your life. How can the resurrection of Jesus provide comfort and courage for you in this situation? [02:57]
2. The sermon encourages believers to "look away to Jesus" rather than focusing on present circumstances. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. How can you minimize this distraction this week? [09:54]
3. Consider the historical facts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. How do these events provide a foundation for your faith? How can you remind yourself of these truths in moments of doubt? [23:35]
4. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. What "joy" or future hope can you focus on to help you endure your current struggles? How can this perspective change your approach to these challenges? [32:51]
5. The sermon highlights Jesus as the "author and finisher of our faith." In what ways can you rely on Jesus to help you "run the race" set before you? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith journey this week? [39:26]
6. How can you incorporate the early Christian greeting, "The Lord is risen indeed," into your daily life as a reminder of the hope and victory found in the resurrection? [02:25]
7. Reflect on the concept of Jesus' intercession for us. How does knowing that Jesus intercedes on your behalf impact your prayer life and relationship with God? [39:06]
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as Our Foundation
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, providing believers with comfort and courage in the face of trials and persecution. It assures us of our future resurrection and victory over death, echoing the early Christian affirmation, "The Lord is risen indeed." This transformative truth empowers us to look beyond our circumstances, offering hope and a promise of future glory. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the resurrection as the antidote to discouragement, assuring us that, like Jesus, we too will rise. This hope sustains us through life's challenges, reminding us that our faith is rooted in historical events that lead us from despair to hope, and from sin to salvation. [02:57]
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your future resurrection influence the way you face current challenges and trials in your life today?
Day 2: Focusing on Eternal Truths
Looking away to Jesus means focusing on the eternal truths and promises of God rather than our present circumstances. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities for growth and hope. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin, running the race set before us with patience by looking to Jesus. This act of looking away is not mere escapism but a deliberate focus on the eternal truths embodied in Christ. By doing so, we can face our trials with the same endurance and joy that Jesus exemplified, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary and that eternal joy awaits us. [09:54]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one specific situation in your life where you can choose to focus on God's eternal promises rather than the immediate circumstances?
Day 3: The Historical Foundation of Faith
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are historical facts that form the basis of our faith. These events provide a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation, and assure us of our eternal destiny. The Christian faith is rooted in these historical events: Jesus' incarnation, His life of suffering, His crucifixion, and His triumphant resurrection. These are not just stories but the foundation of our faith, offering a path from despair to hope and from sin to salvation. By understanding and embracing these truths, we are assured of our eternal destiny and the victory that comes through Christ. [23:35]
Acts 2:32-33 (ESV): "This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to strengthen your faith today?
Day 4: Enduring Trials with Eternal Perspective
Following Jesus' example, we endure our trials by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us. This eternal perspective gives us strength and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, exemplifies how we should face our trials—by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us. This perspective transforms our suffering into a light affliction, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In Christ, we find the strength to persevere, knowing that He intercedes for us and will never leave us nor forsake us. [32:51]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you shift your focus to the eternal joy and glory that await you?
Day 5: Jesus, Our Intercessor and Empowerer
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, intercedes for us and empowers us to run the race set before us. His resurrection assures us of His victory over every enemy and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are called to follow Jesus' example, looking beyond our present trials to the eternal joy He has prepared for us. This perspective transforms our suffering into a light affliction, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In Christ, we find the strength to persevere, knowing that He intercedes for us and will never leave us nor forsake us. [39:26]
Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV): "But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on Jesus' intercession and empowerment to run the race set before you?
Quotes
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that empowers us to look beyond our circumstances. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the resurrection as the antidote to discouragement and the assurance of our future glory. The resurrection assures us that, like Jesus, we too will rise, and it is this hope that sustains us through life's challenges. [00:03:17]
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin, running the race set before us with patience by looking away to Jesus. This act of looking away is not mere escapism but a deliberate focus on the eternal truths embodied in Christ. Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, exemplifies how we should face our trials—by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us. [00:09:54]
The Christian faith is rooted in historical facts: Jesus' incarnation, His life of suffering, His crucifixion, and His triumphant resurrection. These events are not just stories but the foundation of our faith, providing a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith, having completed the work necessary for our redemption. [00:23:35]
As we navigate life's difficulties, we are called to follow Jesus' example, looking beyond our present trials to the eternal joy He has prepared for us. This perspective transforms our suffering into a light affliction, working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In Christ, we find the strength to persevere, knowing that He intercedes for us and will never leave us nor forsake us. [00:32:51]
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith, providing comfort and courage in the face of trials and persecution. It assures us of our future resurrection and victory over death. [00:02:57]
Looking away to Jesus means focusing on the eternal truths and promises of God rather than our present circumstances. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities for growth and hope. [00:09:54]
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are historical facts that form the basis of our faith. These events provide a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation, and assure us of our eternal destiny. [00:23:35]
Following Jesus' example, we endure our trials by looking beyond them to the joy and glory that await us. This eternal perspective gives us strength and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. [00:32:51]
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, intercedes for us and empowers us to run the race set before us. His resurrection assures us of His victory over every enemy and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. [00:39:26]
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that empowers us to look beyond our circumstances. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the resurrection as the antidote to discouragement and the assurance of our future glory. [00:03:17]
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin, running the race set before us with patience by looking away to Jesus. This act of looking away is not mere escapism but a deliberate focus on the eternal truths embodied in Christ. [00:09:54]
The Christian faith is rooted in historical facts: Jesus' incarnation, His life of suffering, His crucifixion, and His triumphant resurrection. These events are not just stories but the foundation of our faith, providing a way from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. [00:23:35]
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